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Randolph ‘Randy’ L. Verkler

Randolph ‘Randy’ L. Verkler
March 6, 1946-Dec. 15, 2011
WALKERTON — Randolph “Randy” L. Verkler, 65, residing in Walkerton passed away Thursday, Dec. 15, 2011 in Starke Memorial Hospital, Knox. He retired as an operating engineer with Local #150. Randy worked for more than 23 years for the St. Joseph County Highway Department as a supervisor. He also served as a reserve law enforcement officer with the Walkerton and Hamlet Police Departments.
Randy was born March 6, 1946 in LaPorte to Joseph Richard and Harriet (Eftenoff) Verkler and remained a lifelong area resident. Aug. 31, 1968 he married Carolyn (Cohee) Verkler in the former Tabor United Methodist Church, North Liberty.
Randy is survived by his loving wife, Carolyn Verkler; his son, Brett L. Verkler of Walkerton; one daughter-in-law, Juli Lynn Verkler of Santee, Calif.; his granddaughter, Kendalle Elizabeth Verkler; a brother, Scott (Chris) Verkler of Walkerton; and a special aunt, Wanda Kruse of Hammond. His father, Joseph Richard Verkler; one son, Bryan Scott Verkler Dec. 13, 2003; and his grandparents, Gus and Nellie Verkler all preceded Randy in death.
Randy served in the United States Navy completing three combat tours of duty in Vietnam and was a member of the U.S. Naval Mobile Construction Battalion-58 Association. He was also a member of the North Liberty Masonic Lodge #266 F & AM; the Tyner IOOF Lodge #821; and the American Legion of Walkerton. Randy enjoyed working on the family farm. He was an avid outdoorsman and a member of the NRA.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2011 at Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel, 3718 S. Michigan St., South Bend. Officer Jim Christie will officiate. Friends may visit with the family from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday in the funeral home where Oddfellow Services and Masonic Services will be held at 7:30 p.m. Friends may also visit one hour prior to services Tuesday.
Contributions in memory of Randy Verkler may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 1701 N. Beauregard St., Alexandria, VA 22311. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.